We all have moments where we just can’t find the creativity we normally have to finish or even start a task. This is a creative block, and this week on Thriving Women Artists, Sarah, Ping, and Dorien will be telling you all about their own creative blocks, the different types, the reasons behind them, and why they can sometimes be a good thing. 
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS

Creative blocks, or barriers to inspiration, can be described as the inability to access your internal creativity. Those in creative professions such as writers, musicians, performers, artists, are often more likely to be affected by creative blocks, which can last for days, weeks, months, or even years.
You can have a creative block for specific things. You might be able to do all the sketching you want, but when it comes down to a piece of client work you may be unable to put ink on the page. 
The causes of a creative block can be procrastination, feeling overwhelmed, perfectionism, and letting your inner critic take over. 
Sarah sometimes feels like the inner critic stops her from being creative. She finds that listening to loud music or watching a movie she has seen before can help distract her from listening to her inner critic. 
Dorien had an injury to her arm that made it hard for her to work, she knew she would get past it because she had a similar injury to her none painting arm. She stayed positive and didn’t let the stress of the block overwhelm her. 
Creative blocks happen for a reason and can be very important moments in your creative life, almost like a reset to stop and take a breath, then look ahead.  The first step to dealing with a creative block is to accept it and allow yourself to stop. It is a signal and a need for change. 
Remember that struggles emphasise the creative good times you’ve had. Growth happens within your struggles. 


BEST MOMENTS
‘I put a wall in front of myself and cannot work’
‘You have to trust that it will end’ 
‘You’re forced to stop, which is scary, but it can be a positive thing’ 
‘Productivity is not the most important thing in the world’ 
 
EPISODE RESOURCES 
Big Magic : Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
Creative Block by Gemma Lawrence
The Creative Licence: Giving yourself Permission to Be the Artist You Truly Are by Danny Gregory
 
ABOUT THE PODCAST 
A serious and fun podcast for female creatives hosted by Ping, Dorien and Sarah, three happy artists from Amsterdam.  This podcast will inspire you to make a living out of your art. We welcome you to be part of this community of like-minded people.
www.thrivingwomenartists.comwww.instagram.com/twapodcast
 
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Ping He 
Ping is a watercolor artist. Her work is inspired by nature and her motherhood experience. She develops her greeting cards brand and teaches Botanical Illustration courses online and offline. 
www.pinghe.artinfo@pinghe.artwww.instagram.com/pinghe.art
 
Sarah van Dongen 
Sarah is a children’s book illustrator and visual artist. She takes her sketchbooks and art supplies everywhere, which results in illustrations based on observation and daily life.
www.sarahvandongen.comsarahvandongenillustration@gmail.comwww.instagram.com/sarahvandongenillustrations
 
Dorien Bellaar:
Dorien is an illustration artist. Her work is mainly focused on illustration for children, editorial/food illustration, hand lettering, and she likes to combine those into both traditional and digital art. 
www.dorienbellaar.nlhello@dorienbellaar.nl www.instagram.com/dorienbellaarSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.